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If LED bulbs are supposed to last for 10 years, why do I still need to replace them every 9 months? (hexbear.net)

submitted 10 months ago by Thordros@hexbear.net to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

93 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm in a nasty frame of mind right now, and this is what my 'tism brain decided to laser focus on for several hours. I'm mad that my light bulbs cost 10x more than they used to, and don't last any longer, and my power bill is higher than ever.

Yeah yeah, I know, it's probably just capitalism shitting it up on purpose for profit. And bulb science is probably solid, I guess. I'm just pissed off that I just barely managed to scrape through this pay period with $2.78 left in the bank before I default on my mortgage.

Anyway, any lightbulb science comrades got any info?

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[–] Kalkaline@leminal.space 11 points 10 months ago (3 children)

I've heard the explanation that they don't dissipate heat well and their lives are shortened because of the fixture they're placed in. With incandescent bulbs, heat wasn't the issue it is with LEDs.

[–] Whisker@lemmy.ml 9 points 10 months ago

And the ability to dissipate that heat apparently depends a lot on the orientation of the bulb (socket up or down), enclosures, etc., so you can end up replacing LED bulbs in certain fixtures more frequently than others.

[–] CalicoJack@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

This is most of it. If they're facing up (typical lamp), they'll last for years. If they're facing down (ceiling fixture), especially with a shroud around the bulb, they won't last much longer than an incandescent. The control chip burns up if they get too hot.

So just put cheap ones in the fixtures that'll kill them. You can get decent bulbs for less than $1/per.

[–] snooggums@kbin.social 3 points 10 months ago

Juat don't buy the ones that say not to use in an enclosed space and they should do fine in any fixture.

[–] yukichigai@kbin.social 2 points 10 months ago

Cheaper bulbs, definitely. I had a corner display cabinet I tried to switch over to using an LED bulb; the compartment for the bulb was nearly sealed and also lined with reflective materials, so the exterior got hotter to the touch than it ever did with an incandescent bulb. Damn thing started flickering and malfunctioning a few months in. Tried another LED bulb and the same thing happened only on a slightly longer time frame. Finally just gave up and went back to an incandescent bulb.